Feedback for 2/26: Just Looking, crime and sequestration

February 25, 2013

Just Looking properties

•Could you tell me if the houses submitted for "Just Looking" are a paid advertisement or is this a freebie given by the newspaper? If the latter is true, how do these homeowners rate a free plug for their home?

Editor: Just Looking is a long-running feature in the Daily Press. I can't say for sure if it was the first, but one of the oldest I can find in our archives was published on Sunday, May 20, 1990. Marlbank, a 15-acre estate built in 1776 was on the market for $1.5 million. The Gloucester County property featured fireplaces in most rooms, stables, a deep-water pier and a half-acre of oyster grounds. Yes, Just Looking is free. Anyone with a high-end property for sale can submit a house for consideration. As for the why we do it: Readers like to look at upscale homes – hence the name. And now, with the Internet, they get to see not only the views published in the newspaper, but can go online and see more of the featured house. To be considered for a Just Looking profile, a house has to cost at least $650,000.

Rumors vs. news

•Bob, Yorktown: You cover the impact of a "rumor" in Smithfield High School but where did you cover the Thursday night break-in at Bargain Box (and arrest of a suspect) , next door to Dare Elementary and the impact of a search for a second suspect on a school function at the school?

Editor: We had the story on our website Thursday night and in the paper Friday morning. Sorry you missed both.

Sequester and its impact

•Mary, Gloucester: Thank you for your very well laid-out and clear article on the sequester and its immediate effects here.

Today's Feedback responses were written by Local News Editor Felicia Mason.